Harry : I know nothing about politics. I’m only a business man, so you must excuse all my questions. What sort of people become M.Ps?

M.P. : Oh, all sorts. Some of them are profesional politicians. Others are business men, minners, engineers, ex-officers, ex-goverment officials — every profesion you can think of. I myself worked on the railways before I went into the House.

Harry : But you’ve been an M.P. for long time?

M.P. : Yes, I was first elected in 1935. But then I was defeated in the post-war General Election.

Harry : And what did you do then?

M.P. : Luckily, I got back later. Only just, though. Everybody thought it was a safe constituency fot the other party, and neither I nor my rival thought I would be elected. I beat him by only three hundred votes.

Harry : But did you have only one rival?

M.P. : No, there were two others. But neither of them had the ghost of a chance.

Harry : Do you mean that in a British election, it’s usually a struggle between two main candidates?

M.P : Usually, yes. We have two major parties. Either of them can be elected. Sometimes they don’t win by every many seats, either.

Harry : I see. And how long does it take an M.P. to become a minister?

M.P. : Oh, that varies. Most of us never do.

Harry : I suppose it depends on whether your party’s in power or not, or whether your particular ideas are popular.

M.P. : Yes, that sort of thing.

Harry : I must come and listen to a debate one day. Neither my son, Peter, nor I have done so.

M.P. : Neither had until I was elected. I used to live so far from London.

Harry : So the first time you actually went into the Commons was as an M.P.?

M.P. : That’s right. I remember the first time I walked in I was with two of the oldest M.Ps. in the House, one on either side. It was certainly a contrast.

Harry : (Menyela). Well, we must be getting along. Thank you so much for your advice about my umbrella.

M.P. : Not at al — I do think it’s worth trying this television contest. If they like your idea you may win some useful capital.

Harry : A lot will depend on how I present my plans for developing my invention.

M.P. : It will.

Harry : In that case I must defenitely visit the Commons and see how you members make your speeches there. You know, I’ve never made a speech in my life!